Law office on wheels comes to Twin Cities to help veterans
A Detroit law school will drive a mobile law office to the Twin Cities next week to offer free legal advice to low-income veterans.
The University of Detroit Mercy School of Law's Project Salute program helps veterans apply for federal disability and pension benefits. The organization has helped over 2,000 veterans in 11 states since its founding last year.
The unique program is run out a converted recreational vehicle donated by General Motors. The customized vehicle features built-in work stations and adheres to ADA accessibility guidelines, including a wheelchair lift.
"No other law school would be crazy enough to run this 31-foot mobile law school around the country," project director Tammy Kudialis said.
Many veterans are confused by the lengthy benefits application or are unaware that they are eligible, Kudialis said. The program has also seen an increase in the number of veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan seeking assistance.
Over 400,000 veterans live in Minnesota. About 64,000 currently receive disability compensation or pension benefits.
Project Salute will stop in Edina, Friday, June 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hennepin County's Southdale Library. The program will also be at the Minneapolis Central Library on Saturday, June 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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